Willamette Treatment Plant FAQ
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Q: Why is a second water source needed?
A: Of the 20 largest cities in the Northwest, Eugene is the only one with a single source of water. If something were to happen that shuts off our McKenzie drinking water supply, our community would have only about two-three days of stored water. Development of a secondary source of water is critical to improving the...Read More See Less InformationA: Of the 20 largest cities in the Northwest, Eugene is the only one with a single source of water. If something were to happen that shuts off our McKenzie drinking water supply, our community would have only about two-three days of stored water.
Development of a secondary source of water is critical to improving the reliability of our water system, especially during extreme low-water droughts or following a major catastrophe such as an earthquake, chemical spill or other incident that interrupts our primary McKenzie supply.
Although the intake and treatment plant have not yet been designed, the entire system will be built to modern seismic standards and designed to withstand the impacts of a large earthquake or other natural disaster.
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Q: Is the Willamette River water safe?
A: Safe drinking water is our top priority. Water quality testing at the Willamette intake site since April 2013 indicates that the water quality at the Willamette River location is similar to samples taken at EWEB's McKenzie River intake. Your water will be monitored from source to tap, just as we do with the McKenzie River....Read More See Less InformationA: Safe drinking water is our top priority. Water quality testing at the Willamette intake site since April 2013 indicates that the water quality at the Willamette River location is similar to samples taken at EWEB's McKenzie River intake.
Your water will be monitored from source to tap, just as we do with the McKenzie River. Of course, drinking water sources are protected by strict laws. And the new Willamette Treatment Plant will use state-of-the-art technology to produce the highest water quality.
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Q: Will the water taste good?
A: As proposed, the new treatment plant will have robust treatment processes able to treat all anticipated raw water conditions in the Willamette both with respect to water quality and taste/odor to a level higher than the existing Hayden Bridge drawing from the McKenzie River.Read More See Less InformationA: As proposed, the new treatment plant will have robust treatment processes able to treat all anticipated raw water conditions in the Willamette both with respect to water quality and taste/odor to a level higher than the existing Hayden Bridge drawing from the McKenzie River.
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Q: Will the McKenzie and Willamette water be blended?
A: No final decisions have been made. However, as proposed the new treatment plant would operate daily to ensure its reliability and operation when needed. This would mean some amount of blending in the system.Read More See Less InformationA: No final decisions have been made. However, as proposed the new treatment plant would operate daily to ensure its reliability and operation when needed. This would mean some amount of blending in the system.
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Q: How much will the project cost?
A: Currently, the second source treatment plant is budgeted at $90 million over the course of six years. The project is anticipated to be funded through capital reserves and revenue bonds. In addition to EWEB's own municipal bonding options, outside financing options may be available to EWEB for the Second Source Project.Read More See Less InformationA: Currently, the second source treatment plant is budgeted at $90 million over the course of six years. The project is anticipated to be funded through capital reserves and revenue bonds. In addition to EWEB's own municipal bonding options, outside financing options may be available to EWEB for the Second Source Project.
